Step Up Summer School

A three-day residential for young people aged 16 to 17 that provides a taste of university life in a safe and supportive environment.

Applications are now open

Participants will stay in university halls with us whilst working in groups with other attendees, supported by current students, to:

Prepare

for life and learning as a university student

Engage

in taster lectures on a variety of different subjects

Access

support with personal statements, budgeting and more

This opportunity is free to attend, including all meals whilst you are with us and travel to and from Cardiff University campus before, during and after the summer school.

Interested in taking part? Find out if you're eligible by reading the eligibility criteria.

"It was amazing, I loved it. I doubt I could get any of the opportunities I got here anywhere else so I am unbelievably grateful.”

2025 Step Up summer school participant

Subject-specific activities

Alongside the sessions on university life, participants will have the opportunity to attend subject-specific activities covering the following topics:

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Medicine, Dentistry and Healthcare Sciences
Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Law, Politics and Business

Applications are usually open between April and May.

Want to know more? Hear first-hand from previous Step Up Summer School participants and ambassadors:

Watch a video of the Step Up Summer School.

Take a look at our photos below and discover some of the brilliant activities previous participants got stuck into.

Participants enjoying some relaxed social time outdoors.
Participants collaborating during an outdoor group discussion activity.
Hands‑on clinical skills workshop introducing participants to healthcare practice.
A practical dentistry session introducing key skills.
A dentistry workshop giving participants insight into clinical environments.
Teamwork in action during a STEM problem‑solving challenge.
Hands‑on engineering activities encouraging creativity and problem‑solving.
Participants selecting a prize after completing a library activity.
A creative bracelet making craft session during social time.
Participants playing Scrabble during the Step Up summer school.
Participants playing badminton together during down time at the Step Up summer school.
Exploring the campus surroundings between activities.